I think the difference between stress and distress is that stress is something actual that causes us distress, which is how we feel about it.

Jordon, it sounds like you are "worried" about a lot of things and that is causing you distress. Worry is about what might/could happen in the future but is totally happening in our head, is our thoughts making up scenarios for the future. If you cannot stop yourself from doing that, start picturing good things happening as well or about how you can do practical things so the "problem" you are worried about won't worry you?

I am a bit worried about my husband dying and my having to manage our complicated finances alone, for example. So, I asked my husband to write me a guide "book" about our finances that I can refer to, if he becomes suddenly disabled or dies. Too, I ask him questions and take an interest in our investments and do a little myself so I can understand his computer spreadsheets better and not find them as intimidating. I am still worried but not as much or as often.

Or, if you are distressed after something happens you do not like, put it in perspective with all things that have happened. Some things can be very uncomfortable but they don't stay that way? I know I don't like "messy" things like eating submarine sandwiches and getting mayonnaise all over me :-) or, use to be, eating ice cream cones because they would drip and I found that distressing. Now, when I find I am feeling anxious about something, I figure out what it is and how to change it if I can (I'm grown up now so I can eat the ice cream fast enough to keep it from dripping! :-) or figure out how to lessen my distress if I can (going to the bathroom and washing my hands in the middle of eating something messy if I have to; only allowing myself to feel X distressed before I stop and fix it) or to put up with it, looking beyond it to something that will happen later that will be pleasant. If I'm trying to lose weight, for example, and am distressed at feeling hungry now, I can look forward to what I am having for dinner and take comfort in knowing I will be eating in 3-4 hours and won't feel hungry for awhile after that.